Covid and War

A recent street interview segment on TV included a couple aged in their 90’s who claimed they had a distinct advantage over most of the current generations experiencing the Covid19 pandemic. They had been here before.

They explained that the extreme sacrifices made during WW2 had prepared them for the difficulties we are now facing with the coronavirus pandemic and social lockdown.

And there are many similarities – a formidable opponent, untimely deaths, community fear, mobilising resources to fight the enemy, a focus on leadership, a general re-assessment of life’s priorities, and the list goes on.

Community attitudes are certainly facing some tough tests. And perhaps a significant element is the call for social responsibility. The early days of the pandemic showed some of the worst of human nature with widespread avoidance of rules designed to counter the impact of Covid19.

One street interview that received a lot of play involved a young café owner in Melbourne stating he was ignoring calls for restrictions because “this was just an old person’s illness”. Governmental and community attitudes (bolstered by police action) have since swung in favour of “this is a war we all need to fight.” Victoria’s strong reaction to the “second wave” and general community adherence to the Stage 4 lockdown rules is evidence of that. We don’t quite have the public cohesion that existed in WW2 but we are getting there.

There are other similarities with WW2. The army has been called in to assist although the frontline on this occasion is more likely to be health staff. The role performed by doctors, nurses, indeed all associated with health has received widespread admiration. And ironically, their most at-risk patients are likely to be war veterans.

One of our veterans tells us his family has been sending food parcels to him in his aged care facility, and it reminded him of how families would often send food to their serving sons, daughters, and siblings overseas during WW2. Forced separation from families is not new to veterans.

Covid19 and WW2 are quite different scenarios and this article does not attempt to fully analyse the relationship. But, if you come across some older Australians who seem to be handling the situation quite well, there is a reason – they have been here before.

 

15/8/2020